OREGON PUBLIC LIBRARY Seed Library

Transcription

1 OREGON PUBLIC LIBRARY Seed Library Why a seed library? People have been farming for thousands of years. One easy and sustainable way to keep your garden, is to save seeds for next year. Seed saving is a great way to save money, but there are a lot of other reasons to save your seeds. When you save and share seeds you: Develop seeds that become acclimated to our local climate Grow plants that are more pest resistant Know where your food is coming from Create a culture of sharing and community Support a sustainable future for your community and your garden! If you already save seeds, consider contributing to our seed library! How to get started Borrowing seeds from Oregon Public Library is free 1. Select packets of seeds and check them out from the library. 2. Grow your plants and enjoy the harvest. 3. Collect and return some seeds if you are able. There is no penalty for not returning seeds.

2 Available Seeds: Sweet Genovese Basil Provider Beans Catnip Chives Rosita Eggplant Birdhouse Gourd Buttercrunch Lettuce Bronze Arrowhead Lettuce Marigold Penelope Shelling Pea Dwarf Gray Pea Jalapeno Pepper King of the North Pepper Olympia Spinach Amish Paste Tomato Currant Sweet Pea Tomato Glacier Tomato Selecting Seeds: Choose seeds for plants that will work in your garden space. Light requirements Unless otherwise mentioned, assume that vegetables and flowers need full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Partial Sun means the plant needs 3-6 hours of sun and has a great emphasis on receiving at least the minimal sun requirements. Partial shade means that the plant will need some relief from the direct, intense heat of the sun. Full shade means the plant can survive on less than 3 hours of direct sunlight each day. Very few plants, especially vegetables, require full shade. Starting seeds indoors versus direct sowing Seeds should be started at different times. Some plants should be started inside about 6 weeks before the last frost and then planted outside when the threat of frost has passed. Other seeds are planted directly in the outdoor soil. Length of growing season The amount of time it takes to get a harvest varies from plant to plant. In the notes on each seed, be sure to figure out when the plant will be producing a harvest so that you will get a harvest before your plants freeze in the autumn.

3 Sweet Genovese Basil Ocimum basilicum Sweet basil is often used in fresh salads or added to dishes near the end of cooking. The to cold so it should not be planted outside until all danger of frost has passed. Basil can also be grown year-round indoors as a potted plant. It should be placed in direct sunlight away from cold drafts. Produces in 70 days from sowing. You can direct sow basil after the danger of frost has passed (between and Memorial). Or you can start basil inside in early April and then transplant outside to a location with full sun. Plant seeds by covering them with about ¼- inch of soil. The growing basil seeds should germinate within a week. Once you see a Basil starting to flower. couple pairs of leaves, you should thin the basil plants to be about 6 to 12 inches apart. Thinning the plants will help the surviving plants thrive by giving their roots plenty of space to grow. During the growing season, pinch off any of the blossoms. If you allow the basil to bloom, it makes the plant less tasty. When you are done with your growing season, allow the basil to bloom and let the flowers turn brown. Harvest the seed clusters when they are brown and spread them on a screen to dry. Place the clusters in a bowl, swirl the plant material around, and collect the small seeds that sink to the bottom. Seeds purchased from A.P. Whaley Seed Company.

4 Provider Beans Phaseolus vulgaris Provider beans are a very desirable variety that is disease resistant. This tasty bean is one of the best for freezing and canning. Produces in days. This bush bean will create a sturdy inch tall bush with 5-6 inch beans. Plant after last frost date (between seeds about 1 inch deep and 4-6 Image from A.P. Whaley Seed Company website inches apart with rows being 30 to 36 inches apart. Beans will be ready to harvest about 2 weeks after they bloom. Continue harvest every few days for the rest of the season. Let a few beans pods stay on the plant until they are brittle and dry. Then harvest the pods and let them dry for 1-2 weeks. Another method is to pull the entire plant up and hang to dry. Once the pods are dry, shell them being careful not to break the seed coats. Seeds purchased from A.P. Whaley Seed Company.

5 Catnip Nepeta cataria Catnip is an herb famous for its euphoric effect on cats. Its fragrant flowers also attract bees and other pollinators an easy to grow perennial, and prone to spreading. You may want to dedicate a bed to grow catnip or you may want to keep it in pots so r garden and your yard. Produces in days. Catnip seeds can be sown outdoors as soon Memorial Day). Plant seeds 1/8 of an inch beneath the soil. The seeds will germinate in about 10 days, then thin seedling to at least 10 inches apart. Thinning the plants will help the surviving plants thrive by giving their roots plenty of space to grow. Pluck any blooms off the plant to promote bushy growth. When you are done with your growing season, allow the plant bloom and let the flowers turn brown. Harvest the seed clusters when they are brown and spread them on a screen to dry. Place the clusters in a bowl, swirl the plant material around, and collect the small seeds that sink to the bottom.

6 Chives Allium Chives belong to the same family as onion, leeks and garlic. They are a hardy, droughttolerant, and are perennials. They grow in clumps from underground bulbs and produce round, hollow tasty leaves that are much finer than onion. In mid spring to early summer, they produce round, pink flowers similar in appearance to clover. The leaves are used in many dishes for flavoring and the flowers can be eaten or used in bouquets. Chives can be continually harvested throughout the summer. The leaves should be cut at the base to allow for new growth. Produces in 80 days and is a hardy perennial. Plant seeds in a sunny location in early spring (between Memorial Day) 2-4 inches deep and inches apart. Mature plant grows inches tall. and Chives may not bloom the first year they are planted. Allow to over winter outside and when they come up in the spring allow them to bloom and let the flowers turn brown. Before the seeds begin to shed from the flowers, harvest the seed. Dry on screens and rub to remove the seeds.

7 Rosita Eggplant Solanum melongena This variety of eggplant was originally developed by the Puerto Rico Agricultural Station in for home gardens with tender skin, white flesh and a sweet and mild flavor. Produces in 80 days from transplant. Image from A.P. Whaley Seed Company website Start indoors 8 10 weeks before last frost (late March to early April). Plant seeds ¼ inch deep. Eggplants like warm soil so keep in a warm sunny spot inside. If possible use a lamp to keep the soil warm (around 80 degrees). The plants will germinate after 14 days. Transplant outside 2 3 weeks after last frost (early to mid-june) to a sunny location. Plant 18 to 28 inches apart in rows of 30 to 36 inches apart. Leave an eggplant on the plant until it is overripe and inedible. The plant will look dull, turn brown, and be hard and shriveled. Slice open the eggplant and separate the flesh from the seeds. Put the seeds in a bowl of water and wash the pulp away. Strain the seeds, pat them dry and spread them out on a tray to dry for a month or two. When saving seeds, fermentation is not necessary and may be harmful to the viability of the seed. Seeds purchased from A.P. Whaley Seed Company.

8 Birdhouse Gourd Lagenaria siceraria This is an incredibly prolific vining gourd with a larger, rounded end, a narrow neck, and slightly bulbed stem end. Dry for crafting into durable bottles, birdhouses, etc. Trellis vines for consistent fruit shape. Produces in 125 days. Start seeds indoors 4 to 8 weeks before the last frost (March to April). This is a slow germinator and takes Image from Johnny s Selected Seeds website at least 2 to 3 weeks to become a seedling. Also, expect only 50% of the seeds to germinate. Repot as needed; do not allow the seedling to be crowded. Once the threat of frost has passed Day), transplant outside to a full sun location. To get more attractive gourds, to touch the ground. Harvest when the smooth, greenish rind turns white or starts to brown. Use a knife or drill to make a hole in the gourd and scoop out the seeds and flesh. Rinse seeds and dry them on a screen for about a month. Image from Eden Brothers website

9 Bronze Arrowhead Lettuce Asteraceae shade. Image from Fedco Seeds website This plant is bright green with bronze colored leaves. This variety is considered one of the best loose leaf lettuces. Bronze Arrowhead is a popular base for salads during the summer months. This variety grows best in cooler weather. Produces in 46 days. This lettuce prefers partial Sow directly into prepared beds 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost (late April to early May). Use a trowel or a rake to gently make a ridge about 1/8 inch deep then sprinkle the seeds in a row. Rows should be about 6-12 inches apart. To harvest, pinch or cut leaves just above the soil surface and allow to grow back. Continue harvesting over several months, or until plants begin to lose flavor. Once plants bolt (flowers), the harvestable leaves will become bitter. Only collect seeds from slow bolting plants to produce progeny that about days after flowering. Rub the seeds from the stalk and remove the coarse plant material.

10 Buttercrunch Lettuce Asteraceae salads. From Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds website This lettuce has a light buttery texture and tastes best when harvested immediately before eating. The plant is heat resistant but grows best in cooler weather. The mature plant has dark green outer leaves with creamy center heart. Slow to bolt, but can be prone to bottom rot. This bib type lettuce grows best in full sun and is great for summer Produces in 50 days. Sow directly into prepared beds 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost (late April to early May). Use a trowel or a rake to gently make a ridge about 1/8 in deep then sprinkle the seeds in a row. Rows should be about 6-12 inches apart. To harvest, pinch or cut leaves just above the soil surface and allow to grow back. Continue harvesting over several months, or until plants begin to lose flavor. Once plants bolt (flowers), the harvestable leaves will become bitter. Only collect seeds from slow bolting plants to produce progeny that about days after flowering. Rub the seeds from the stalk and remove the coarse plant material.

11 Bonanza Mix Up Marigolds Tagetes patula Marigolds are known for their pungent scent and bright orange blooms. This variety is a tricolor and blooms. Marigolds can be great flowers for a vegetable garden because they can deter small animals and some common pests from bothering your plants. Marigold may be grown from seed sown early indoors and transplanted outside after frost, or sown directly in the garden after frost. Image from Jung Seed website To sow indoors, plant 4-6 weeks before the last frost (late April to early May). Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting soil. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and seedlings should emerge in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to one seedling per cell when they have two sets of leaves. Thinning the plants will help the surviving plants thrive by giving their roots plenty of space to grow. Transplant hardened-off seedlings to the garden after the ant 6 inches to a foot apart. Allow some of the blooms to turn brown. Pinch the withered petals of the flower between your thumb and index finger of one hand, and the base of the flower head with the other hand. Gently pull the withered petals. The petals should slide clear of the base with a bunch of pointy black spears attached which are the seeds. Place in a dry paper envelope so any moisture from the seeds can continue to dry.

12 Dwarf Grey Sugar Pea Pisum sativum The pods have a sweet, crisp texture and have a variety of uses. This plant produces early and the pods are quick to mature. The tender pods can are commonly used in stir fry and salads. Produces pods in 60 days. The plant produces broad pale green 3-4 inches edible pod and purple bi colored blossoms. The vines grow inches tall but do not require any staking. Although the plant will climb if you want to trellis it. Sow direct seed 2-3 inches apart and ½ to 1 inch deep as soon as soil can be worked (mid-april). Rows should be inches apart. Plant seeds in full sun. Image from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds website Let a few green beans stay on the plant until they are brittle and dry. Then harvest the pods and let them dry for 1-2 weeks. Another method is to pull the entire plant up and hang to dry. Once the pods are dry, shell them being careful not to break the seed coats seeds purchased from A.P. Whaley Seed Company.

13 Penelope Shelling Pea Pisum sativum Penelope has extra-long (average 4½ inches), fancy pods with 8-9 peas per pod. They are very easy to shell and very tasty! Peas are a cool weather crop. Produces pods in 59 days. The vines grow 34 inches tall and do not require any staking or extra support. Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked (mid-april). In well-drained soil, sow 1-1 ½ inches apart, ½ to 1 inch deep. Do not thin. Can be planted in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. Image from Johnny s Selected Seed website Let a few green beans stay on the plant until they are brittle and dry. Then harvest the pods and let them dry for 1-2 weeks. Another method is to pull the entire plant up and hang to dry. Once the pods are dry, shell them being careful not to break the seed coats.

14 Jalapeño Pepper Capsicum WEAR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING SEEDS AND FRUIT Jalapeno plants produce spicy peppers about 3 inches long. The peppers should be harvested when bright green. The peppers can be prepared and eaten in a variety of tasty ways. Produces in days. Different types of peppers will cross -pollinate so they must be separated by either caging or isolate by ½ mile. Sow indoors 8 weeks before last frost (around the middle of March). Seeds will germinate in 14 days. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed (between and Memorial Day). Plant 12 inches apart in full sun. Wear disposable gloves when handling seeds. They can irritate skin and eyes. Pick peppers which are fully ripe (turned red and about 3 weeks after the green fruit is harvested). Remove seeds and spread them on a screen to dry.

15 King of the North Pepper Capsicum A sweet red pepper that grows well in cool climates with short growing seasons. The ripe peppers are often prepared stuffed or eaten fresh out of the garden. This is a great all around pepper. Produces 70 days from transplant outdoors. Avoid cross pollination with other peppers varieties. The plant produces blocky, uniform fruits with a great sweet flavor. Start Image from Super Seeds website indoors 8 weeks before the last frost (around the middle of March). The seeds will germinate in 14 days. Plant outdoors after the threat of frost has passed inches apart in full sun. Pick peppers which are fully ripe (turned red and about 3 weeks after the green fruit is harvested). Remove seeds and spread them on a screen to dry.

16 Olympia Spinach Spinacia oleracea Image from Jung website Spinach is considered a nutritious smooth and mild taste. This is not as heat resistant as the American variety but grows quicker. Spinach can be frozen, canned, or eaten fresh right out of the garden. Produces in 38 days and is an outstanding fall performer. Bolts quickly when planted in the late spring, so sow seed outside as soon as ground is workable in late March or and grows fast producing Only collect seeds from slow bolting plants to produce progeny that about days after flowering. Rub the seeds from the stalk and remove the coarse plant material.

17 Amish Paste Tomato Lycopersicon Amish paste tomatoes are excellent sliced fresh, canned, or made into sauces. Amish paste is an indeterminate variety of tomato. Also called vining, this means that the tomato plant is prone to be larger and can reach heights of 10 feet. Be prepared to prune and use a large tomato cage. Produces 85 days from transplant outdoors. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost (around late March). The Image from Burpee website seeds germinate in 7-14 days. Transplant outdoors inches apart and cage, stake, or trellis. The plant produces bright red 8-12 ounce fruits. Harvest when fully ripe and squeeze the pulp and seeds from the fruit into a container. Add water and let ferment below 70 degrees for about 4 days stirring occasionally. Some seeds will float to the top and are not good for replanting. Throw these out. Drain the water and pulp collecting the seeds at the bottom. Spread in a single layer on a paper towel and let dry for 1-2 weeks.

18 Currant Sweet Pea Tomato Lycopersicon Image from A.P. Whaley Seed Company website The ¼ inch tomatoes explode in your mouth. You will get literally thousands of fruits per plant. Current Sweet Pea is an indeterminate variety of tomato. Also called vining, this means that the tomato plant is prone to be larger and can reach heights of 10 feet. Be prepared to prune and use a large tomato cage. Image from A.P. Whaley Seed Company website Produces 75 days from transplant. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost (around late March) and seeds will germinate in 7-14 days. Transplant outdoors inches apart and cage, stake, or trellis in full sun. Harvest when fully ripe and squeeze the pulp and seeds from the fruit into a container. Add water and let ferment below 70 degrees for about 4 days stirring occasionally. Some seeds will float to the top and are not good for replanting. Throw these out. Drain the water and pulp collecting the seeds at the bottom. Spread in a single layer on a paper towel and let dry for 1-2 weeks. Seeds purchased from A.P. Whaley Seed Company.

19 Glacier Tomato Lycopersicon Image from High Mowing Seeds website This very early tomato variety produces attractive orangey-red 2 inch tomatoes. Perfect for salads or fresh eating. Surprisingly sweet for an ultra-early type. About 2 ½ feet tall, 3 ½ feet across, and quite open. Glacier is a determinate variety of tomato. Also called bush tomatoes, these varieties are bred to be compact and are usually suitable for container gardening. Produces 55 days from transplant. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost (around late March) and seeds will germinate in 7-14 days. Transplant outdoors inches apart and cage, stake, or trellis in full sun. Harvest when fully ripe and squeeze the pulp and seeds from the fruit into a container. Add water and let ferment below 70 degrees for about 4 days stirring occasionally. Some seeds will float to the top and are not good for replanting. Throw these out. Drain the water and pulp collecting the seeds at the bottom. Spread in a single layer on a paper towel and let dry for 1-2 weeks.